Grades 7 and 8

Middle School

An Alternative to Middle School for Grades 7 and 8

Avalon’s Middle School is a prepared environment where adolescent confidence flourishes. Students balance independent reflection with active collaboration through periods of focused freedom and uninterrupted work.

This interdisciplinary approach encourages learners to become active participants in their education, building the leadership skills and social-emotional strength necessary to navigate the transition to high school.

— ABOUT —

A Bridge to High School Built on Confidence

First of Its Kind

Avalon was the first Montessori school in the Beach to offer a Middle School program, providing a curriculum specifically designed for adolescents that bridges the gap between elementary and secondary school.

Support for the Whole Child

The program integrates Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into an academically challenging framework, addressing the significant physical and emotional growth students experience during these years.

Leadership Through Participation

Students are encouraged to be active participants in their education, developing leadership skills by organizing community excursions and mentoring younger students in the school community.

— OUR CURRICULUM —

Preparing for What’s Next

Our interdisciplinary curriculum uses focused freedom to build the academic rigour and leadership skills necessary for success in secondary school.

Academic Readiness

To ease the transition to secondary systems, we gradually introduce formal assessments across the curriculum and more complex assignments in a supportive, low-pressure manner.

Executive Functioning

We prioritize essential life skills, including time management, organization, and personal accountability, ensuring students are prepared for high school.

High School Placement

We support families in navigating the secondary school application process to find the right fit for each student, ensuring a seamless journey beyond Avalon.

Collaborative Debate

Scheduling permits long, uninterrupted work periods that encourage focused concentration and the freedom to collaborate on both self-initiated and instructor-led projects.

Real-World Learning

Activities like adolescent-led initiatives, community service, and micro-economy projects allow students to see the direct impact of their work on the local community.

— BEYOND THE CORE SUBJECTS —

Specialized Programs for a Well-Rounded Experience

Alongside core subjects like language arts, math, and science, our specialized programs provide the academic depth needed for secondary school readiness.

French Program

We help students acquire French language skills naturally through various teaching methods such as storytelling, theatre, and a gesture-based approach.

JUMP Math

We supplement Montessori manipulatives with the JUMP Math program to break complex concepts into achievable steps.

Health & Physical Education

Our health & physical education program focuses on mental health, skill development, cooperation and leadership rather than high-pressure competition. Activities include cross-country and track meets, skiing, skating, and tennis lessons.

Arts Programs

Our arts programs include dance, visual art, and music. Additionally, every spring, Elementary School students manage and perform a show at a local theatre, building creative confidence and teamwork.

— STUDENT INFORMATION —

Daily Life at Our School

Nutrition and Meals

While a hot lunch is available for younger students, our Middle School students are encouraged to practice independence by packing their own lunch. Students in Grades 7–8 have the opportunity to create a weekly plan, then purchase and prepare their own snacks. Students also participate in community-based lunch initiatives.

Technology & Personal Devices

We maintain a focus on traditional learning tools to encourage concentration and limit distraction. While laptops and other technologies are intentionally incorporated as tools for research and project completion, we strongly encourage students to take notes and keep records with paper and pencil, fostering essential foundational skills before their transition to high school environments, where technology use may be more prevalent.

Uniforms

Uniforms are mandatory for all Middle School students, instilling respect for the learning environment and helping eliminate social stereotypes.

— TESTIMONIALS —

Hear From Our Families

Avalon is more than a school; it’s a community.

“You truly meet every child where they are and provide unconditional love and support to guide them through their learning… He has matured, gained confidence, patience and has formed his love of learning again! He looks forward to school every day!”

J.W., Avalon Parent

“The loving and curious staff at Avalon took both our kids under their wings instantaneously and provided safety and security for our kids in their transition into Canadian life. Within a few months, both children had acquired English and were able to function socially as well as academically. We consider Avalon our family.”

R.P., Avalon Parent

“Avalon is more than a school, it is a community. We’ve been particularly pleased to note the high level of interaction between students at all grade levels as well as the high level of parent involvement in the school.”

N.C., Avalon Parent

— FAQS —

Common Questions

How do you handle grades in Middle School?

We introduce formal report cards and assessments in Grades 7 and 8 to ensure students are comfortable with the requirements of secondary school.

What subjects are included in the Middle School curriculum?

Our curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation that meets and exceeds the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines. We focus on an interdisciplinary approach where subjects are connected to real-world applications. Areas of study include:

Core Academics: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Geography, and History.
Specialized Programs: French, Current Events, and Health.
The Arts & Physical Education: Drama, Visual Art, Vocal Music, instrumental Music, and non-competitive Physical Education.

How does Avalon prepare my child for the transition to high school?

We act as a unique bridge to secondary school. Through our Transition Program, we gradually introduce elements such as lockers, more complex assignments, and formal schedules within our supportive environment. Students also become more aware and accountable for their own learning including understanding their learning style, strengths and challenges. This ensures students graduate ready to meet the expectations of secondary school, engaged in their own learning and can advocate for themselves.

How do you handle grading and formal assessments?

To ensure students are high school-ready, we move toward a formalized assessment structure. While we maintain a low-pressure atmosphere, Middle School students receive grades on assignments and report cards and participate in formalized testing across all subject areas to become comfortable with traditional evaluation methods.

How does the school keep my child safe?

As a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), we meet high standards of safety and academic accountability. Our small community ensures every child is supervised by staff who know them well.

How do you support students who learn differently?

We are an inclusive school. Our educators are specialists in applying the Montessori curriculum to your child’s specific learning needs. We work with you to help your child find and build the tools they need to support and regulate themselves.

In middle school it’s especially important to provide a low-pressure environment where our students can thrive.

Does the curriculum meet Ontario standards?

Yes. While we have the freedom to follow the child’s interests, we consistently meet and exceed provincial guidelines. We ensure students have a strong foundation in core academics while enjoying enriched opportunities for French, the Arts, and physical education.

Do Middle School students wear uniforms?

Mandatory uniforms are required for all Middle School students to help eliminate social stereotypes and ensure the focus remains on learning and community.

— ENROLMENT —

Now accepting registrations for 2026/27

Spaces are limited. If you’re considering Avalon for your child, we encourage you to reach out today.